“Sarv” is the newest release from Nepal based Symphonic Black/Death Metal Band Kalodin since their debut “The Bestial Ritualism Of Harlotry” in 2010 - currently they are unsigned (though hopefully not for much longer!)

Opening with an very eastern sounding synth intro, “Fallen Empire” kicks things off in suitable grandiose fashion, before heading into some brutal black metal inspired riffs - Immediately I’m grabbed by how well produced this EP sounds, there’s a lot of clarity to every instrument and vocals - the parts all come through really well, a nice breakdown involving orchestral synths proceeds the solo section of the track before returning to the verse riff. A good start!

“Ov Creation” keeps things up to speed, before bringing in a groove laden opening riff - those eastern influences really shining through again! The track certainly has quite an epic feel throughout and I’m glad the band have managed to not over do it and become ridiculous cheesy. (as is so common these days)

“Pathless” continues in the same vein, though it’s death metal vibe is a bit stronger than the previous tracks - it’s well placed to break up the formula of the previous tracks, though that’s certainly not to say that it doesn’t have epic synth sections or blast beats! In fact it would probably be my highlight for this EP, especially when everything comes together in the last part of the song you’re left wanting more!

Good thing there’s “Trishula” then! Finishing off the EP with a real blast of technical riffage and heavy growls, there’s the right amount of groove laden riffs either side of a very Nile midsection - It works extremely well in between the raspier “Black Metal” vocals and adds some real character to this track.

For just under 20 minutes you get 4 uncompromising and well crafted tracks, well produced and great musicianship as well. These guys are well worth checking out!